Under the influence…of music?
Mar. 18, 2008 by Lisa Currie
A recent article in the New York Times shared new research on references to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD) in music. It stated that:
One in three popular songs contains explicit references to drug or alcohol use, according to a new report in The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. That means kids are receiving about 35 references to substance abuse for every hour of music they listen to, the authors determined.
A different study by the University of Pittsburgh School of Med
icine, also cited in the NYT article, reports that the number of ATOD references changes with the music genre:
- Only 9% of pop songs
- 14% for rock songs
- 20% for R&B and hip-hop songs
- 36% for country songs
- 77% for rap songs
There is little doubt that music can be influential in our moods, identity development and socialization. But do ATOD references in music have an impact in drinking, drugging or smoking behaviors? Is it different for kids in junior high or high school vs. college students? Are other forms of media more or less influential? And what, if anything, should be done to address it?
What are your thoughts? Discuss this in the comments section below.